From the City of Brotherly Love to the City of My Lovely Brother

After a few days of doing downtown Philly for all of its historical signifigance, enormous roadside murals, and visits with a friend, I headed a little north to catch up with the brother in New Paltz, NY. The drive itself, although only 4 hours, seemed like the longest to date. First of all, the 'parking garage' way of working tolls simply didn't register in my head. The brief anxiety attack during the 49 lane changes in 50 feet turned out to be the least of my concerns. Driving and starving, or starving and driving, nevertheless, I was lured by a sign for $1 hot dogs to take an exit. Well, I took the wrong exit and unfortunately Susan (the gps) didn't have any clue how to help me. She and I both got spit onto turnpike after turnpike, freeway after freeway, with no hope of a u-turn...45 minutes (and about $5 in tolls) later, I was back on my way to NY. Then out of the blue came a nice little mid-day shower to cool things off-or so I thought. Instantly the New Jersey turnpike turned into complete chaos. I've never seen anything like it. The rain was minimal at best, and 65mph suddenly slowed to 25mph. The right hand shoulder was riddled with all of the quiters that just couldn't take it anymore, flashers and all, for at least 10 miles. Finally, after the long drawn out drive, it ended with the beautiful countryside lining the last 50 miles before i reached destination, Brother.

Visiting Nate (the bro) and his gf, Desi, was amazing of course. The tiny town they lead me around was simply beatiful. They took me on a little exercising journey, not only for the body, but for my mind as well. I was told to "wear tennis shoes there's a little scramble at the end"?! Although I had no clue what that entailed-it was a hike-I needed the exersice. After a little bit of an incline up some moderate terain, suddenly we got to these enormous rocks that were totally enticing. This looked like fun for all. Without even thinking, i followed Nate, one boulder after another. When I realized how out of breath I actually was, I turned around and LOOKED (OH MY GOD). Had anyone other than Nate led me up that little rock climbing excersion-I may have thrown them over the edge-thank God it was him. He kept my brain in tact, while keep such a watchful eye, & an extended arm all the way. The scene from the top was to die for (although I couldnt look down). Mountains for days, a storm coming just over the peaks-truly breathtaking/exhilerating/amazing. New Paltz, NY-never would've known it without them.